GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

94

Carmen 2023 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, D.O. Maipo Valley, Chile ($18)

Tense and chalky – a lifeline of bright plum and dried violets with a defined structure. Prickly with white pepper, its tannins glassy across the palate with a stroke of graphite. Its identity speaks to its freshness from the cooler climate, with dense concentration and color as its hero.

93

Carmen 2023 Gran Reserva Single Vineyard Carmenère, D.O. Colchagua, Chile ($18)

Its meaty nose exhibits strength while its rhubarb, coffee and high-toned acidity depicts a fresh, elegant style, without any weedy character. Black plum and lavender attach to the mid-palate grip, tannins evident but without a heavy hand. Aged 12-14 months in used barrels kept the fruit shining.

93

Carmen 2025 Gran Reserva Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, D.O. Casablanca, Chile ($18)

Aromas of thyme and grapefruit zest lead the way to flavors of a forest after a summer rain. Citrus is scintillating and fresh, with searing acidity armed with the timing of a race car, going zero to 60 in seconds across the palate. Glossy, with salted vanilla-lime cleansing the palate.

92

Carmen Gran Reserva 2024 Single Vineyard Chardonnay, D.O. Limari, Chile ($18)

Aromas of butterscotch, salted and whipped, are mirrored on the palate. Grown on limestone soils, the wine displays its fresh lemon-kissed mineral tone with bright acidity. It is almost weightless, with an ethereal mouthfeel.

93

Castello di Bolgheri 2022 Flocco, Bolgheri IGT, Tuscany, Italy ($40)

From the Castello di Bolgheri Farm, this is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tightly wound, its grip enhances high-toned acidity, accented by sour cherry, sweet tobacco, and mulled red berries. Roasted coffee and soy sauce add a savory salinity to its tone.

93

Cecchi 2020 Vino Nobile di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy ($39)

Focused and energetic with racy acidity and a base of ripe plum, Mediterranean spices weaving through. Lean and focused with an inner brightness.

91

Cecchi 2023 Chianti DOCG, Tuscany, Italy ($19)

White peppered plums and plum skin tannins create a chewy textural character, amped by a fine acid structure. Italian herbs season notes of coffee, mocha, and sweet tobacco. The wine shows complexity, especially for this price point.

92

Cecchi 2023 Storia di Famiglia Chianto Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy ($25)

Bold notes of grilled meats and rhubarb are concentrated into a cedar chest. Cinnamon and cloves connect with an earthy core. Acidity impacts an inherent freshness.